Updated: Feb Trip plans "It's a Bit Less Humid Today, Right?" - a September 2018 Trip Report

[Araminta18]

Still jealous!!! We are doing BOMA on our next trip and I might make us all trek over to see if they have that at the other resort.

Do it! I hope they still have it--it's a great souvenir. The gift shop seemed a bit unorganized though.

Because you are practically perfect in every way!

Aw, thanks! Mary Poppins did tell me I was almost there...

The whole trip was AMAZING sounding!

Can't wait to hear about your next trip! Let us know if you do a PTR and/or a TR!!!!

Still not sure if I'm gonna do a PTR, but I will definitely post here if I do! Thanks for reading along!

 

[SweetSerenity]

I loved reading your summary as much as your trip!

 

[Lesley Wake]

Making use of my AP already--just booked a trip for the Festival of the Arts! They released the lineup for the Broadway concerts, and I was all over it--there are four I want to see and luckily they performing on back to back nights. SO, details!

When: Feb 9th through Feb 14th
Where: Coronado Springs Feb 9-11, All Star Music Feb 11-14 (cheapest rooms available with the AP discounts)
Who: just me, though I did invite a friend...we'll see

Oooh, super fun! I'll be there then too (Epcot on the 9th) before we leave on our cruise, so let me know if you want to meet up! But no worries if not!

Popcorn cauldron (we used this to pass out Halloween candy ):

I used mine too as part of the Halloween decorations - we do a whole Harry Potter theme and my brother likes to dress as Snape and mix up potion drinks, so I put that on the table for ambiance!

Renting DVC Points: spent $1845 for 8 nights at a boardwalk view at Boardwalk Villas. $230.63 a night. (We paid $243.00 for the one night at PO:FQ)

Renting DVC is so cost affordable! I'm doing it for my next 2 trips, but I'm starting to consider if I should buy into DVC. Problem is I like being able to see other places and I know it's hard to get anything you aren't an owner at these days.

Trying Virtual Reality: Star Wars The Void was a fantastic experience. We loved it (see picture!)

Can't wait for the Wreck It Ralph version!

Cake for Breakfast: the cake from Amorette's and the cupcake from Sprinkles. I highly recommend cake as your breakfast for a day at Disney.

100% agree! Amorette's makes the best breakfasts without them even knowing it!

Festival of Fantasy Parade. Bummer that we never got to see Maleficent breathing fire, but oh well

I heard they are fixing it up now and could be back on parade soon! Fingers crossed!

 

[Araminta18]

I loved reading your summary as much as your trip!

Aw, thanks! Hope you're having an *awesome* time on your trip so far

Oooh, super fun! I'll be there then too (Epcot on the 9th) before we leave on our cruise, so let me know if you want to meet up! But no worries if not!

That'd be super fun! I'm definitely up for meeting, but I have *no* idea what my plans are yet (I'm waiting for them to announce the seminar schedule before I decide)

I used mine too as part of the Halloween decorations - we do a whole Harry Potter theme and my brother likes to dress as Snape and mix up potion drinks, so I put that on the table for ambiance!

Oooh, awesome! that would definitely fit in with the HP theme.

Renting DVC is so cost affordable! I'm doing it for my next 2 trips, but I'm starting to consider if I should buy into DVC. Problem is I like being able to see other places and I know it's hard to get anything you aren't an owner at these days.

Isn't it awesome? I'm a bit bummed it won't work out for my Feb trip, but oh well. As far as buying, that's kind of my opinion too--it feels like renting gives more options, as long as you're willing to do the work/accept the risk of renting.

I heard they are fixing it up now and could be back on parade soon! Fingers crossed!

Oooh, hopefully! That'd be awesome!

 

[kclark9830]

I'm super behind on here, it's been so busy the past few weeks! But I have loved reading about your trip, and I'm so glad you had a great time!!!

 

[Araminta18]

I'm super behind on here, it's been so busy the past few weeks! But I have loved reading about your trip, and I'm so glad you had a great time!!!

Glad you enjoyed it! I had fun writing it

 

[Cloe Colton]

Great trip report! I loved all the metrics at the end. As an accountant I live for breakdowns like that. I TOTALLY agree that upgrading (at least for one person) to the AP is a total must and I might do it now no matter what! The discounts and memory maker are just too good to pass up!

I also agree about the ddxp. DH and I considered it but with the AP discounts (and we signed up for TIW - we enjoy a few drinks here and there so it was nice to get 20% off on everything rather than 10% off) and the stress of figuring out the best strategy to eat I just don't find it worth it! Tbh Ive crunched the numbers so many times for us and it just never works out, and its more food and more tip!

 

[Araminta18]

Great trip report! I loved all the metrics at the end. As an accountant I live for breakdowns like that. I TOTALLY agree that upgrading (at least for one person) to the AP is a total must and I might do it now no matter what! The discounts and memory maker are just too good to pass up!

I also agree about the ddxp. DH and I considered it but with the AP discounts (and we signed up for TIW - we enjoy a few drinks here and there so it was nice to get 20% off on everything rather than 10% off) and the stress of figuring out the best strategy to eat I just don't find it worth it! Tbh Ive crunched the numbers so many times for us and it just never works out, and its more food and more tip!

Aw thanks! I know I always like seeing that type of info, so glad others enjoy it too And yes! AP discounts for the win

Right? I got sucked in on our first trip, but it was so nice to just have saved up the money and ate what we wanted without having to worry about making sure it fit the dining plan. Totally agree with you!

 

[heidijanesmith]

Fantastic trip report, really enjoyed reading about all your adventures.

The BW is our favorite and I am so glad you like it. We have never even heard of the attic at the BW. We have been there so many times, how did we miss it!!

We were at US for HHN at the same time 9/18-9/21 and thought the same thing. The humidity...... it was so bad this year.

 

[Araminta18]

Fantastic trip report, really enjoyed reading about all your adventures.

The BW is our favorite and I am so glad you like it. We have never even heard of the attic at the BW. We have been there so many times, how did we miss it!!

We were at US for HHN at the same time 9/18-9/21 and thought the same thing. The humidity...... it was so bad this year.

Thanks! I had lots of fun reliving it/not letting it end through the report

BW is amazing!! I'm sad I can't stay there everytime. The Attic is neat! Without that little sign for a wedding reception or dinner or something we would have totally missed it too. Worth a look next time you're there.

Right? it was *horrible* this year. Blech.

 

[Araminta18]

February trip help request!!​

So...not sure if this is the best place to put this, but starting a whole new thread seemed a bit self-indulgent...

First, Happy Thanksgiving! This was our first Thanksgiving just the two of us, so we decided to do the Sanaa bread service dips for our dinner! It took me a full day, but I made all 9 dips. They turned out great! Well, the coriander chutney was waaaaaay too salty (though mixing it with the red pepper hummus took away that saltiness and tasted great, so I'm still calling it a win) and I put too much tamarind in the tamarind chutney, but overall, a definite win. I did run out of steam to make homemade naan, so we had Trader Joe's naan, which in my opinion was just as good. I think we may have found our Thanksgiving tradition.


Next, February trip thoughts!
I'm going back to the World for the Festival of the Arts, going Feb 9-14th. I'm having the hardest time figuring out which parks to do when, since they haven't released the schedule for seminars/workshops yet (which is not irritating at all.....). I'm staying at Coronado Springs for the first two nights, then All Star Music for the last 3 nights. current (tentative) plan:

• Sat Feb 9th:
  • land at 11 am; check in, Disney Springs!
  • Hollywood Studios (Slinky Dog, Star Tours, Rock n Roller Coaster, dinner at Brown Derby)
  • Disney After Hours: Hollywood Studios (waiting on review for this...still not sure if this is what I want to do)
  • OR...if I decide not to do Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios: go to MK instead after Disney Springs.
• Sunday Feb 10th and Monday Feb 11th:
  • Epcot day: I want to see the Broadway singers that night and do the festival activities during the day.
  • Currently I have a Garden Grill 8:30 am breakfast ADR that comes with tickets for the concert that night. Has anyone ever done Garden Grill solo? Would it be weird?
• Tuesday Feb 12th:
  • Going to do Epcot in the afternoon, but trying to figure out what to do in the morning. Current plans are:
    • HS am: eat at Woody's lunchbox, ride Toy Story rides, walk over to Epcot OR
    • AK am: Flight of Passage, Everest, and then lunch at Sanaa before heading over to Epcot.
• Wednesday Feb 13th:
  • MK day! I want dinner at BOG, but not sure whether to do The Plaza or Skipper Canteen for lunch...
• Thursday Feb 14th:
  • Flight leaves at 6:25, so I figure a 3 pm DME pickup at All Star Music.
  • What park to do? AK? HS? MK? Any thoughts?

After reviews come out for Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios, that will help a bit.
If I do DAH:HS,

• I'll do HS on Feb 9th
• AK am on Tuesday Feb 12th
• still not sure about departure day on the 14th.

But if I don't do Disney After Hours,

• I'll do MK on Sat Feb 9th,
• HS am on Tues Feb 12th
• AK on Thurs Feb 14th.

And all of that could be thrown into chaos if Disney announces their seminars/workshops and I want to do one that's not on the 10th or the 11th. Argh. At least I still have a little bit of time before fastpasses!

Also, any tips/recommendations on solo trips or places to eat would be much appreciated! I feel a bit at sea--maybe all my planning muscles got tired after the last trip!

 

[DLo]

I am thinking of Garden Grill breakfast solo in September so hoping you get some responses for that.

I have gone solo a couple of times and so far the only places I felt nervous was buffets. I was worried that they would clear my table when I was at the buffet or the server would think I left with out paying or it would be awkward with the character interactions - but everything was fine and I had no problems. Cape May dinner , Tusker House and Crystal Palace both breakfast are the buffets I have done and had great service at each . I have not done a signature solo but have seen several reports of people that have with no problems. I have had table service and so far most of the time have been treated the same as if I were a larger party so I wouldn’t stress at all about were you decide to eat just go with what you want .

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

It looks great! You did an amazing job! I never make my own naan. The store ones are just as good!

ure whether to do The Plaza or Skipper Canteen for lunch

I would vote for Skipper Canteen. Did you guys eat there, I can't remember. I love it.

What park to do? AK? HS? MK? Any thoughts?

I would do Magic Kingdom. We love to end our trip there.

And all of that could be thrown into chaos if Disney announces their seminars/workshops and I want to do one that's not on the 10th or the 11th. Argh. At least I still have a little bit of time before fastpasses!

Also, any tips/recommendations on solo trips or places to eat would be much appreciated! I feel a bit at sea--maybe all my planning muscles got tired after the last trip!

Ugh, it is hard to really figure it out until they do announce the schedule. I think you have a good plan so far.

 

[PrincessP]

Finally getting back to read the ending to your trip report. Wow! You and Trevor made very efficient work of the F&W booths. I am going to save this report in case I go this September....which IS currently in my plans. I also loved seeing your number crunching at the end. I was an accountant before staying home with my kiddos so I really appreciate all that information you shared. Also fun to see all the souvenirs....and that you are actually still using/enjoying them. I looooove how you did the music sheets/photos for the autograph pages. You mentioned it early on....loved the idea, but thanks for showing them on your wall b/c I love the idea even more now.

Too funny with the two girls reluctant to join the parade...and that the younger threw the older to the wolves so to speak. It reminded me of our trip to the Poly when my son was 7 and daughter 5. Although, my oldest was a sweetie to my youngest. I could totally see my younger pushing big brother out like that if given the right circumstance, though. They had the hula lessons in the lobby. My DD wanted to do it but was nervous...so being the sweet big bro, he went to the hula lesson with her. They gave him a drum so it was more “manly” for him.....my DD had a great time....but she never would have done it without him.

I just did my first solo trip this past Sept. if I come up with advice, I will post regarding your Feb trip.

And happy belated Thanksgiving. Sounds like the bread service was the perfdct thing for you two!

 

[Araminta18]

I am thinking of Garden Grill breakfast solo in September so hoping you get some responses for that.

I have gone solo a couple of times and so far the only places I felt nervous was buffets. I was worried that they would clear my table when I was at the buffet or the server would think I left with out paying or it would be awkward with the character interactions - but everything was fine and I had no problems. Cape May dinner , Tusker House and Crystal Palace both breakfast are the buffets I have done and had great service at each . I have not done a signature solo but have seen several reports of people that have with no problems. I have had table service and so far most of the time have been treated the same as if I were a larger party so I wouldn’t stress at all about were you decide to eat just go with what you want .

I'm not too worried about other table services solo, but figured a character breakfast solo might be weird. Glad to hear you had good experiences at the buffets!

I would vote for Skipper Canteen. Did you guys eat there, I can't remember. I love it.

Yep, I've eaten there--I loved it too! The problem is I also really liked the Plaza...

I would do Magic Kingdom. We love to end our trip there.

There is something definitely to be said for ending with a classic.

Ugh, it is hard to really figure it out until they do announce the schedule. I think you have a good plan so far.

Thanks! Disney taking so long to release schedules and events and hours and things drives me nuts.

Finally getting back to read the ending to your trip report. Wow! You and Trevor made very efficient work of the F&W booths. I am going to save this report in case I go this September....which IS currently in my plans. I also loved seeing your number crunching at the end. I was an accountant before staying home with my kiddos so I really appreciate all that information you shared. Also fun to see all the souvenirs....and that you are actually still using/enjoying them. I looooove how you did the music sheets/photos for the autograph pages. You mentioned it early on....loved the idea, but thanks for showing them on your wall b/c I love the idea even more now.

Thanks! I hope you make it this September--F&W was super fun! Oh good--glad someone else enjoys the number crunching.

Too funny with the two girls reluctant to join the parade...and that the younger threw the older to the wolves so to speak. It reminded me of our trip to the Poly when my son was 7 and daughter 5. Although, my oldest was a sweetie to my youngest. I could totally see my younger pushing big brother out like that if given the right circumstance, though. They had the hula lessons in the lobby. My DD wanted to do it but was nervous...so being the sweet big bro, he went to the hula lesson with her. They gave him a drum so it was more “manly” for him.....my DD had a great time....but she never would have done it without him.

Aw, that's so cute, with your older being all sweet to your younger. Glad they had a drum for him!! Definitely nicer than these two girls, but it was HILARIOUS. we were dying laughing.

I just did my first solo trip this past Sept. if I come up with advice, I will post regarding your Feb trip.

Fun! How was it? Anything that you particularly enjoyed doing solo, or that you don't recommend doing solo?

 

[Araminta18]

February Trip Resort Update!​

So, I was stalking the Priceline Express Deals thread and am now SUPER excited!

I was booked for two nights at Coronado Springs and three nights at All Star Music, for a total of $640.48. HOWEVER, thanks to Priceline Express, I am now staying one night at Wilderness Lodge, one night at Yacht Club, and three nights at All Star Music, for a total of $630.75! Saved $9.73.

​

All three of these resorts are new to me, and I'm now staying at an Epcot resort for the two days that I'm planning to mostly be in Epcot. Huzzah! Hopefully this will help my planning kind of shake out. And fastpass day is in 2 days! *crossing my fingers*

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

HOWEVER, thanks to Priceline Express, I am now staying one night at Wilderness Lodge, one night at Yacht Club, and three nights at All Star Music, for a total of $630.75! Saved $9.73.

Woo Hoo!!!!

Can't wait to hear how you like Yacht Club!

They released the food menu today. I am going to go check it out next!

 

[Araminta18]

Woo Hoo!!!!

Can't wait to hear how you like Yacht Club!

They released the food menu today. I am going to go check it out next!

So excited to try another Epcot resort!!

THEY DID?! I saw they released the workshops, but I missed the food! *scurries on over to check out the food*

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Enjoy the yacht club and wilderness lodge!

 

[PrincessP]

February Trip Resort Update!​

So, I was stalking the Priceline Express Deals thread and am now SUPER excited!

I was booked for two nights at Coronado Springs and three nights at All Star Music, for a total of $640.48. HOWEVER, thanks to Priceline Express, I am now staying one night at Wilderness Lodge, one night at Yacht Club, and three nights at All Star Music, for a total of $630.75! Saved $9.73.

VERY exciting!

Is Priceline Express the one where you can’t be certain of which resort you are getting until you book?

Can you cancel without penalty? I want to look into some Sept options.

For solo....first, your times when you and Trevor split off to ride attractionsb/c he doesn’t like some rides were great practice runs for solo trips. You saw that you could still enjoy things even when alone.

Second...just stay busy...which is easy to do at WDW. The only time I really felt like a fish out of water was alone at the hotel.